For my birthday this year my husband got me the gift of wonderful memories — a trip to Newport, Rhode Island! I have wanted to go to Newport for years, ever since I learned about the mansions and the opulent parties of its golden age. In high school I even entertained the idea of attending Salve Regina University (some of the dorms are restored mansions). We made reservations at the La Farge Perry House, an amazing bed & breakfast located in a quiet neighborhood just a short walk from the historic downtown area. I cannot even begin to sing the praises of the innkeeper, Marise, and I would recommend the La Farge Perry House to anyone in a heartbeat (we stayed in the Com. Matthew Perry room). Our little getaway was a whirlwind trip that included: luxuriating at a beautiful bed & breakfast; eating made to order nachos washed down with sangria; strolling through an historic seaside village; trying and failing to buy a bottle of wine after 6pm on a Sunday; drifting off to sleep in a crosswind of cool ocean breezes; six hours round trip in the car with no kids bickering in the backseat; and walking…A LOT of walking. It was one of the best 24 hours of my life. Thank you, my love, for memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. I can’t wait to go back!